Telangana HC praises HYDRAA for lake restoration, urges Govt to frame clear TDR Policy

Hyderabad: Emphasising the importance of a fair and transparent compensation mechanism, the Telangana High Court has urged the State government to frame a clear policy on Transferable Development Rights (TDR) for landowners affected by lake development projects.

Justice B Vijaysen Reddy observed that those owning properties within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones of lakes must be adequately compensated to ensure the smooth progress of restoration works.

“If the government adopts a transparent and fair mechanism for TDR compensation, lake development projects can proceed without disputes or delays,” he remarked.

The judge made these observations while hearing a case concerning two acres of land under the Thammidikunta Lake limits in Madhapur on Monday.

HYDRAA’s efforts draw praise

During the hearing, Justice Vijaysen Reddy commended the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) for undertaking lake restoration as a sustained and mission-driven effort.

He said the civic body’s initiatives have significantly improved the condition of several water bodies across the city that were once plagued by encroachments and pollution.

“The development of lakes such as Batukammakunta and Malkam Cheruvu reflects HYDRAA’s commitment to rejuvenation and urban sustainability,” the court noted.

Batukammakunta: A Symbol of Urban Revival

The judge made a special mention of Batukammakunta, which was once filled with garbage and overgrown weeds but has now transformed into a scenic lake and public space.

“What was once an eyesore has turned into a beautiful and environmentally beneficial site. The restored Batukammakunta not only enhances the area’s aesthetics but also reduces flood risk and boosts groundwater levels,” Justice Reddy observed.

The court remarked that such transformations show how consistent restoration work can restore Hyderabad’s lost ecological balance while improving urban liveability.

More lakes under restoration

Justice Reddy pointed out that similar efforts are ongoing at five more lakes across the city. He cited Malkam Cheruvu in Gachibowli as another successful example where civic efforts have turned a neglected lake into a clean and vibrant water body.

“These projects demonstrate HYDRAA’s proactive approach to balancing urban development with environmental conservation,” he said.

Advocate endorses Court’s Observation

Senior advocate S. Sridhar, representing the petitioners in the Thammidikunta TDR case, concurred with the court’s views.

He lauded HYDRAA’s work, calling it “a benchmark in sustainable urban lake management,” and urged the government to extend rightful TDR compensation to landowners whose properties fall within the affected zones.

Balancing Ecology and Urban Growth

The High Court’s remarks underscore the growing importance of environmental accountability in urban planning. With judicial support and a well-defined TDR framework, Hyderabad’s ongoing lake rejuvenation programme could serve as a national model for integrating ecological restoration with sustainable city development.