Hyderabad: The Telangana government amended the Building Rules–2012 to protect lakes, rivers and nalas while offering relief to affected landowners through a revised (Transferable Development Rights) TDR policy.
The Metropolitan Area and Urban Development Department issued orders through G.O.Ms. No.16 on Friday. The amendments followed the removal of encroachments on water bodies. They also came in the backdrop of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal directions. Construction remains prohibited in Full Tank Level, Maximum Flood Level and buffer zones. The government said the decision aimed to balance environmental protection with landowners’ interests.
Telangana TDR policy amended to balance environment and landowners
The revised Telangana TDR policy applied only to projects notified by the government or government-linked agencies. These included HYDRA, HMDA and GHMC. Earlier, TDR remained uniform for FTL and buffer zones. Now, the government rationalised the structure. It also increased incentives for landowners who surrendered land voluntarily.
Landowners in FTL or MFL areas of lakes and rivers became eligible for 200 per cent TDR. Those in buffer zones qualified for 300 per cent TDR. Lands needed for public purposes, including water projects or road widening, attracted 400 per cent TDR. The same rate applied when Nala widening occurred on private land. Owners who handed over land free of cost also received benefits. These included relaxed setbacks and extra floors. However, such benefits remained subject to fire, airport and statutory clearances.
Authorities must obtain clearances before issuing TDR for water-related lands. These include approvals from the Irrigation Department Executive Engineer and a Revenue officer not below the Additional Collector. Officials will grant TDR only after verifying the land title and FTL extent. If ownership disputes exist, officials will credit TDR to a TDR bank. They will release it after dispute resolution. For bulk lands exceeding one acre, prior government approval is mandatory.
To increase market demand, the government introduced a key condition. High-rise buildings exceeding ten floors must use TDR. Builders must apply it to 10 per cent of the built-up area above the tenth floor. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan said the amendments came into force immediately.